World Cup 2018: France, Croatia set to meet in finals

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A month-long march towards soccer glory (or futbol, for those so inclined) culminates on Sunday when France will take on Croatia for the crown.

Middle of the week World Cup soccer matches can really be a hazard for those of us following along from the office. There you are, doing your work on one screen while watching the action on your other screen. Or you might be listening along while at your desk, the soothing cadence of the British announcer keeping you apprised of the action.

Then, all of five minutes into the match, England's Kieran Trippier scores off of a free kick, giving The Three Lions an early 1-0. You let out scream of joy, momentarily forgetting you're surrounded by mates who don't necessarily appreciate your love of soccer. Or like being spooked by loud noises for that matter.

Easily substitute your favorite team and this may have played out over the last month, in situations both good and bad.

Ultimately, the above moment was the highlight of the match for England. Croatia scored their first goal in the 68th-minute on a lovely shot by Ivan Perisic.. It would take extra time and a goal by Mario Mandzukic (on a pass from Perisic) in the 109th-minute to send Croatia to their first-ever cup final by way of a 2-1 victory of England.
England had multiple chances in the first half. Along with Trippier's first international goal, they narrowly missed on multiple other attempts or were simply a hare late getting to a well-placed ball.

Once Croatia settled in, they possessed the ball with flair. If not for some spirited play from England keeper Jordan Pickford, Croatia might have not even needed extra time to pick up the victory. Pickford had five saves as Croatia attempted 22 shots (7 on goal).

By contrast, England attempted 11 shots but only one was on goal.

England, whose young team made a much deeper run than expected, has a bright future to look forward to. Disappointed as they might be, they showed a lot and still have a consolation game to look forward to.

Croatia, meanwhile, will use their steady resolve to hopefully thwart an attacking French team in Sunday's final.

France handles Belgium

On Tuesday, France clinched their berth in the final with a 1-0 victory over Belgium.

A scoreless first half -- in which both teams missed opportunities -- gave way to the only score of the game in the 51st minute.

France's Samuel Umtiti header off of a corner kick from Antoine Griezmann found the back of the net, providing the only score of the game.

Much of the action belonged to the French as they took 19 shots compared to Belgium's 9.

Belgium's Kevin De Bruyne and late sub Dries Mertens had a couple of late runs. But even with six minutes of stoppage time, France slowed the pace enough (and nearly added a second goal) in holding on for the victory.

France is now the last team standing between Croatia and what would be a remarkable run. Croatia has already played in two games that have gone to penalty kicks in the knockout stages. A third was narrowly avoided today.

Fresher legs from France might prevail on Sunday, but if soccer fans have learned, it's not a good idea to count this team from Croatia out. With Luka Modric controlling the midfield, anything is possible.

59 matches have been played. 30 teams have been eliminated from playing for the right to hoist the cup. One team will stand tall on Sunday. A powerhouse versus an upstart. Star players versus star players. A soccer ball to unite them all.

Game on.

Consolation game: Belgium vs England 7/14 @ 8 am MT
World Cup Final: France vs Croatia 7/15 @ 9 am MT

photo credit: en.wikipedia.org

To keep up with all the World Cup action, sports, movies, pop culture and more, be sure to follow Jason on Twitter: @jasonrh_78

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